The Gates County Red Barons will challenge the Martin County Gators at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Gates County is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.2 runs per game this season.
Gates County barely beat Bertie the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Red Barons blew past the Falcons 24-2 on Tuesday. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Red Barons.
Jimmy Rountree
| 04/21/26 @ Bertie | 4 |
| 04/02/26 @ Holmes | 3 |
| 03/13/26 vs Hertford County | 3 |
| 03/06/26 @ Hertford County | 3 |
| 03/05/26 vs Ridgecroft | 1 |
Jimmy Rountree made a splash no matter where he played. He tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Rountree was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances with four runs, four RBI, and one double. Gates County is undefeated when Rountree posts three or more RBI, but 5-7 otherwise.
In other pitching news, Jacob Ross looked comfortable as he pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. He is becoming a predictor of Gates County's success: when he allows at most two earned runs the team is 4-1 (and 5-6 when he doesn't).
Back at the plate, Andrew Brown was a standout: he got on base in five of his six plate appearances with four runs, two stolen bases, and two RBI. He has become a key player for Gates County: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two stolen bases, but 6-7 otherwise. The team also got some help courtesy of Tyler Cabral, who got on base in five of his six plate appearances with four RBI, one stolen base, and one run.
Gates County kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 16 hits. That's the most hits they've posted since back in March.
Meanwhile, Martin County was able to grind out a solid victory over Northeastern on Tuesday, taking the game 6-1.
Beau Brown spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered only one earned run on one hit and racked up nine Ks.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Kamarion Larry, who went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases and two runs. Bryson Banks was another key player, going 1-for-3 with two RBI and one double.
Gates County's win bumped their record up to 9-7. As for Martin County, their victory bumped their record up to 14-5.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Wednesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Gates County has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.6 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Martin County struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.6 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Gates County couldn't quite finish off Martin County in their previous meeting back in March of 2025 and fell 4-2. Can the Red Barons avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
